These rally drivers prove that off-roading is not always easier with more axles.
It might seem like an off-road-prepped truck equipped with eight-wheel drive would be able go anywhere. But this video of hardcore rigs participating in a dangerous rally shows that it is not possible. Your machine doesn’t have to be stuck just because it has twice the drive wheels as a regular rock crawler.
These eight-wheelers are made by European brands such as Tatra and Mercedes-Benz. All of them have external roll cages and are stripped down in appearance. The locking differentials allow the driver to select which axles they want to drive, but they keep the torque spinning on all tires.
Even with four axles turning smoothly, soft earth seems to be the Achilles heel of these large rigs. These trucks can handle steep hills with enough power, but the weight of the tires causes them to dig into the sand. Two of these trucks are a good idea, as there will always be someone to pull the other out if the driver gets stuck in the dirt.
The boulder course is where these trucks shine. These boulders are large enough for the trucks to push them off the ground when they roll over the pile. These skid plates are useful, but eight wheels of power with significant axle articulation and considerable horsepower make this course relatively simple.
Although we can only see the machines from the outside of the vehicle, the large windows and cab-over engine layout make it easy to see the drivers. These people are hard at work to help these off-roaders navigate this treacherous terrain. A co-driver is also onboard, who presumably provides additional input about the course and perhaps some moral support.